A Need to Worship

Worship was an important part of first century Christianity

The Lord’s Day (Sunday) was a special time of remembrance and celebration. Christians came together to partake of the Lord’s Supper as a memorial to the broken body and shed blood of Christ the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7). They worshiped a living Lord, not a dead Savior. Jesus had resurrected, and there was cause for celebration. In the words of Luke, historian of the early church: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Important Benefits

Not everyone understood the importance of their weekly gatherings or the benefits to be derived from them. The writer of Hebrews urged his readers to be faithful in this matter. He admonished: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:22-25).

Worship is neither boring nor useless

I frequently talk to people who express a strong distaste for “going to church.” They claim to be as religious as the next guy, but have little use for boring religious services. Personal experience, as well as Scripture, has taught me that worship is neither boring nor useless. I have never left a service without gaining something of benefit. We need the fellowship, encouragement and instruction that the worship setting provides. It is a grave mistake to forsake the assembly of the saints. In reality, it is sinful to do so!

The Bible offers much

Don’t be mislead by those who suggest that worship is unimportant or unnecessary. The Bible offers a much different view of worship and its importance. If you come to the assembly with an earnest desire to worship and learn, you will not leave disappointed. The Lord knew what He was doing when He summoned His church to faithful worship, and we need to hear and heed His summons.

–Roger

JANUARY 15, 2012